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rusty-spotted cat

The Rusty-Spotted Cat

  • 2 October, 2020
  • Critterman
  • No Comments
  • 4901 Views
  • 14 Likes
Daily Critter Facts, Feline Facts, Land Mammal Facts

Touted as one of the smallest cat species in the world, it’s the rusty-spotted cat. These cats can be found in India and Sri Lanka. The Indian subspecies of rusty-spotted cats prefer grasslands and the Sri Lankan subspecies likes mountain forests and scrublands. Due to habitat loss, hunting for their meat, and interbreeding with domestic cats, there are now only 10,000 known spotted cats left in the wild. They are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and their population is sadly decreasing.

First the Stats…

Scientific name: Prionailurus rubiginosus
Weight: Up to 3.5 lbs.
Length: Up to 16 inches, plus a 12 inch tail
Lifespan: Up to 18 years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) Rusty-spotted cats are nocturnal (active at night) by nature.

2.) They prey on rodents, birds, frogs, lizards, and insects.

3.) Their main predators are larger cats, domestic dogs, and humans.

4.) Some instances of these cats living in or near plantations has been recorded and is the reason that some are killed, as they have been known to take chickens.; so they’re considered a pest.

5.) They are solitary and mark their territory with urine, like many other cats.

But wait, there’s more on the rusty-spotted cat!

6.) Rusty-spotted cats have both an arboreal (spend their lives in trees) and a terrestrial (spend their lives on the ground) lifestyle.

7.) Mating lasts from 1 – 11 days! Busy kitties.

Did you know…?
These cats have been known to perch on branches and drop on top of their prey, ambushing their victim.

8.) Females birth 1 – 3 kittens each brood and they breed all year long.

Now a Short Rusty-Spotted Cat Video!

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel. Videos added frequently!

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AsiacatIndianocturnalpredatorrustyrusty-spotted catsmallspotted catSri Lanka
Critterman

With over 50 years of critter experience to my credit and hundreds of zoology teaching hours to people around the world, I have amassed not only a continuing thirst for critter knowledge but a desire to teach others all I can about the majesty and wonder of our natural world. Critter Science is a culmination of such knowledge. I have hands on as well as book acquired intel on all kinds of critters. Whether they're on land, sea, or in the air. I will never say that I know everything about all animals. That's impossible, even for a savant. But, that being said, ask me any animal question and I'll answer it. If I don't know the answer, I'll get an answer for you!

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